Thursday, May 17, 2012

In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play : City Lights Theatre Company : A Capsule Review

Thomas Edison’s practical application of electricity highlighted the
end of the Victorian Period, and heralded the beginning of an era of
relaxed social mores and feminine liberation. At least that’s the
premise and backdrop of the curiously offbeat and sexually charged In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play.

Suffice
it to say a pioneering inventor and scientist Dr. Givings, played more
debonair than geeky by the talented Jeffrey Bracco, utilizes the new
technology by employing experimental “devices” to provide a novel form
of therapy to stimulate his depressed – and repressed – patients (see
title of play).

His fixation on his work, however, is at the
expense of his lonely wife who finds the traditional female role of
devoted spouse and motherhood less than satisfying – and would love
nothing more than to partake of the new treatment! Elissa Beth Stebbins (as Catherine Givings) evinces a comedic melancholy that is an uncanny
display of acting skill.

The rest of the ensemble is equally
polished and impressive, among them the beauteous and exceptionally
versatile Sarah Moser (as enthusiastic patient Sabrina Daldry suffering
from "hysteria"), who’s fresh on the heels of her magnificent turn as
“Ophelia” in City Lights’ recent production of “Hamlet.” And company
veteran Adam Magill also lights up the stage as the charismatic artiste Leo Irving.

The
playwright’s awkward tone is deliberate and may at times shock you, but
this production manages to infuse it all with a rare energy and comic
aplomb. It’s highly recommended.*

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About Me

I don't consider myself a "critic." I'm just another fan who's passionate about the performing arts. It's only my humble opinion, so be gentle!
I'm an occasional contributor to starkinsider.com.
Please note the date on top of each post is the actual performance date.